Same Sex Marriage Bill Heads to the Senate

By
KBJR News 1

May 7, 2013Updated May 7, 2013 at 7:43 PM CST

Duluth, MN (NNCNOW.COM) - A bill that would legalize same sex marriage in Minnesota passed a major hurdle in the House Ways and Means Committee, last night... and now, some state lawmakers expect it to clear another.

It passed yet another hurdle, earlier today, after the Senate Finance Committee reviewed its version of the bill's fiscal impact and decided to send it back to the floor for a full Senate vote.

These votes come six months after the state voted against a constitutional amendment that would have banned gay marriage in Minnesota.

House Majority Leader Paul Thissen has said he would not bring the bill to a full House vote unless he was confident the votes were there to pass the legislation.

Governor Mark Dayton has also said he would sign the bill into law, which would allow same–sex couples to get married starting August first.

Proponents of the bill say they see Minnesotans coming around to what they call inevitable change.

"I think most Minnesotans, no matter where they are on the subject of whether or not folks should be able to get married, understand that this is a change that is probably going to happen now.More and more people are coming around to the idea that this is a positive thing," said Senator Scott Dibble.

Votes on the House floor are expected on Thursday.Senators are expected to cast their votes on Saturday.

Leaders on both floors say they're confident they have the votes to pass it.

And the opposition continues to be pretty vocal...

They're reminding state representatives of what's at stake.pamphlets are being mailed throughout the state by the anti–gay marriage group, "Minnesota for Marriage".

It claims the bill has no protection for religious liberty, and that people and businesses will be punished for living their beliefs.

It provides the phone number of state lawmakers, like DFL Representative Mary Murphy.